The Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Mr Kenneth Matambo says the opening of the Francistown Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Board (PPADB) office is a clear indication of the commitment to improve customer service.

Speaking at the official opening of the office , Mr Matambo said the office would serve customers in the north region from Palapye to Shakawe and would reduce costs and the distance they have been traveling to get services from Gaborone. He said although he was aware of the call by other regions to open the PPADB offices, the government’s fiscal position could only allow for the Francistown office. The minister called on Batswana in other areas to make use of online services provided by PPADB through the integrated procurement management system, particularly for contractor registration in order to avoid unnecessary congestion and costly trips to PPADB offices. He assured the customers that PPADB would continue to find ways of improving customer service and providing convenience to those in need of its services.

On other issues, the minister said public procurement by its nature was prone to corruption as it was a meeting place for the public and private sectors. “This calls for the need for PPADB to develop initiatives of finding more effective ways of mitigating corruption risks in public procurement with the cooperation of procuring entities and contractors,” he said. He called upon members of the public to report any corruption they become aware of to the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) for investigation and appropriate action. “At the same time, I must caution against temptation of people making reckless and unfounded allegations which are not helpful to anybody as that can only erode confidence in the procurement system,” he said.

The executive chairperson of PPADB, Ms Bridget John said the office would operate in a rented space within the Botswana Life building and would continue exploring more sustainable options for a suitable office. She said she was hopeful that the office would meet the expectation of all its clients, adding that the PPADB would work with the Francistown leadership in order to be part of the realisation of the city’s Vision 2022.

The city mayor, Ms Sylvia Muzila thanked PPADB for opening an office in Francistown as people from the north had to travel to Gaborone for the certification of copies of their PPADB certificates. (BOPA)